Photosynth

I was catching up on my Google Reader this evening and found a post from Educational Technology and Life by Mark Wagner about a new tool called PhotoSynth.  This site allows you to create a 3D “movie” of anything out of photographs.  I was able to tour the Sphinx and Pyramids in Egypt from my own home.  There is a download to be able to view and create, but it is well worth it.

While it is well worth the time to search for specific images, you can also create you own.  Take many photos from every angle of an object.  upload those photos and phtosynth does all of the hard work for you.  Below shows all of the Sphix photos:

And this is a screen shot of the 3D Sphinx.  The screen shot does little to convey the true nature of the program, so head over to Photosynth for the real experience.

This could so easily be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas.

Some initial ideas:

• Take a “field trip” to the location in the book you are reading
• Bring social studies alive by visiting battle sites
• See all sides of an animal in science
• Let students see a shape from all angles in math

The application of this in the classroom is only limited by your imagination.  I would love to know how you are using this program in your classroom, or how you plan to!